Alfa Romeo will present 2011 MiTo at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Alfa Romeo will be introducing its new model year MiTo at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March. The 2011 MiTo features several improvements over the current version such as new exterior colors, new fabrics for the interior, and new options and technologies "to enhance comfort and driving feel.” The model is expected to start selling across Europe in April.

At the Geneva show, Alfa Romeo will also be displaying a reworked MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, which features a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that delivers a maximum 170hp.

The Sabelt sports seats with carbon fiber backrest will also be shown off. There will be another customized MiTo that features a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo with 135hp and coupled to Alfa's TCT transmission and equipped with Start&Stop systems. The latter will be dressed in the new exterior color "Bronzo Metal", while featuring Tecnosilk two-tone (bronze and black) interior upholstery.

Alfa Romeo is expected to launch a facelift of the MiTo model next year. Its engine range will be revised to offer better fuel economy ratings and reduced emissions. Insiders disclosed that this model may be powered by a 0.9-liter engine that generates around 105hp and has fuel consumption figures of 4.5 l/100km (52.2 mpg).

Alfa Romeo currently has a network in the U.K. composed of 52 dealers. It is through this network that the improved MiTo range will soon be made available. For 2011, this Italian sports car maker has been experiencing a strong and, more importantly, a sustained sales surge.

The automaker has also released the details for this new range which is aimed at ensuring that acquiring an Alfa is easier. It is also more attractive considering that it follows higher standard specifications and lower entry prices.

There is even the new sub-100g/km CO2 version. Originally, the MiTo sports compact range had 17 versions but this has been streamlined to 9. Both Lusso and Turismo trim levels for example are now replaced with the Sprint.

The entry level models are now named the Progression, the Distinctive and the Quadrifoglio Verde, which replaced the Cloverleaf and Veloce. A new color will also be made available for the Alfa range with the Alfa MiTo now coming in Metal Bronze. This was first exhibited during the Geneva Motor Show. For the Sprint and Progression models, it is also possible to have the Sprint Bronze upholstery.

Press Release

NEW ALFA MiTo RANGE GOES ON SALE IN MAY

A significantly revised MiTo range will shortly become available through Alfa Romeo's 52-strong UK dealer network.

The Italian sporting car manufacturer, which is enjoying a strong and sustained sales surge in 2011, has just released details of the new range – all of which are designed to make owning an Alfa easier and more attractive than ever, with lower entry prices combined with higher standard specifications, and a new congestion-busting sub-100g/km CO2 version.

The MiTo sports compact range has been streamlined from 17 versions to nine, with both Turismo and Lusso trim levels being replaced with the Sprint; entry level versions are now known as Progression, and Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde versions replace Veloce and Cloverleaf.

Prices have been reduced across the range, and now start at £12,250 OTR for the entry level 1.4 8v Progression, rising to £17,955 OTR for the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170bhp Quadrifoglio Verde.

Three new engines become available: 1.4 8v 78bhp (available in Progression and Sprint, replacing the 1.4 16v 95bhp unit) for lower emissions, superior MPG and Start&Stop as standard; 1.4 MultiAir 105bhp (available with Sprint or Distinctive trims) for superior power, torque and MPG (compared to the 1.4 16v 95bhp engine); and the new congestion charge/tax busting 1.3 JTDM-2 (Sprint only, replacing the 1.3 16v 95bhp unit) which produces a spritely 85bhp and just 95g/km of CO2, which means free travel in the congestion charge zone, together with free road tax and first registration fee. Business users can also claim 100 per cent capital allowance in the first year of ownership.

Finally, the Alfa MiTo will become available in Metal Bronze, a colour entirely new to the Alfa range, having been previewed at this year's Geneva Motor Show. On Progression and Sprint versions, it can also be chosen with new Sprint Bronze upholstery.